6 Activities To Do With Dogs

This is the season for taking epic summer family trips and having awesome outdoor fun with your friends, family, and your furbabies too. From discovering helpful tips to take your dog fishing before summer is over to searching for, “Dog friendly activities near me,” your pup can and should be a part of all your plans! Of course, being in tune with your dog’s unique personality, their interests, and the level of activities for dogs they can handle will go a long way toward having a memorable summer. Whether you are staying in your backyard or taking one of the best summer family road trips, don’t forget to keep your puppers and yourself hydrated while enjoying all of these activities to do with dogs!

1. Take Your Dog Fishing

As you search for helpful tips to take your dog fishing, you may also be wondering, "Can dogs eat fish?” The answer, in short, is yes, but not raw fish. While you may be able to digest ceviche and sushi grade tuna, salmon, and whitefish, your dog cannot. They love the smell though, and will likely be as excited as you are to reel in a catch, but do not feed raw fish to your dog. Fish bones are also a danger to be aware of, but the American Kennel Club states that, “Fish is a healthy source of protein and is often included in commercial dog food as an alternative protein source,” adding that, “Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids…which may have health benefits such as decreasing inflammation.” If you are considering feeding your dog fish, always debone it properly and grill the fish without seasoning or oils. But first, you have to prepare you trusty companion to be on or near the water! Step one in making fishing one of the activities to do with dogs is to outfit them in a life jacket. Step two is keeping them on a leash within your reach at all times. Additionally, you will want to keep your fishing equipment—hooks, bait, lures, and more—out of their reach, and make sure you have a water bowl, treats, and doggy poop bags on hand. Now that you know the tips to take your dog fishing, learn how to make fishing fun for kids too.

2. Go Hiking with Your Dog

One of the classic activities for dogs is a long trail hike with plenty of sticks for finding, carrying, catching, chasing, and chewing. Having your pup with you on a hike will also encourage you to go farther, getting more exercise, and spending more quality time in the fresh air. Need a new trail to explore with your dog, check out the 7 best U.S. hiking spots!

3. Make Frozen Dog Treats

Unless your dog is an experienced sous chef in addition to being man’s best friend, this is one of the great activities to do with dogs in which they will participate only at the end! Make frozen fruity dog treats and flavored ice cubes to help Fido chill out during the dog days of summer. Check out all the DIY ways to keep your dog cool with frozen treats.

4. Build a Backyard Obstacle Course

There are many ways to spend a weekend in nature with your dog. You can travel to a state park, go camping, or even rent a pontoon boat, but sometimes the best activities for dogs can happen just steps from your door. Using safe, smooth pieces of wood, extra PVC piping, and other low-to-the-ground items you have lying around in your shed or garage, build a backyard obstacle course for your dog to run through, under, and over! This is one of the best active outdoor activities for dogs that doesn’t cost anything more than some time and creativity.

5. Run Through Leaves

It may still be hot and sticky, but soon, the leaves will fall, and the air will turn crisp and cool. When your grass becomes hidden beneath a quilt of autumnal color, one of the most fantastic and photogenic activities to do with dogs is actually very similar to what parents of children do in the fall—rake a big pile of leaves and encourage your dog to run through with reckless, joyful abandon. To capture this amazing moment, set up a tripod on the other side of the pile, set your phone in slow-motion video mode, and get ready to film an adorable running through leaves dog video that will go viral on TikTok and Reels!

6. Playing Catch

Finally, there’s nothing more pleasant than playing catch with your dog, in your yard, driveway, or at a nearby park. Whether this is with a colorful Frisbee or a tennis ball, playing catch is one of the activities for dogs that can be enjoyed anywhere, at any time. If you are searching for “dog friendly activities near me,” know that with a ball, stick, or Frisbee, you always have an easy, outdoor, physical activity that your dog will absolutely love.

Need more outdoor summer fun for the whole family? Check out these 30 cheap outdoor summertime activities for dogs, kids, couples, and families!